SIMPLE GOITER– TYPES
I. Simple diffuse goiter
- It is more common in the age group of 15-25 years.
- Usually produces no symptoms other than enlargement of the gland.
- There could be a feeling of tightness in neck especially while swallowing.
- Thyroid function tests are usually normal.
II. Endemic and multinodular goiter
- It is common after middle age
- Common in regions (Sub Himalayan region) where people take iodine deficient diet. Certain foods like sorghum, millet, maize, cassava may also cause goiter (goitrogens).
- The goiter is nodular or lobulated and very large goiter can cause pressure symptoms like
- tracheal (windpipe) compression difficulty in breathing
- difficulty in swallowing
- hoarseness of voice due to compression of the nerve supplying the voice-box or larynx (recurrent laryngeal nerve).
- obstruction of superior vena cava (superior vena cava syndrome)
- It is usually a benign (harmless) condition.
- Thyroid function tests are usually normal. However, in some cases it may be abnormal (hypo or hyperthyroidism).